South African police issue warning after seventh woman's body found near Johannesburg
A seventh female victim was discovered in the Kwa-Thema area east of Johannesburg, prompting police to warn women against jogging in the vicinity and to intensify investigations into possible links between the cases.
A woman's body was recovered on Tuesday in the Kwa-Thema area, about 34 km east of Johannesburg, marking the seventh victim found in the region over the past two months. The victim was discovered fully naked and in an advanced stage of decomposition. Police say the cases appear to be linked, though they have not confirmed a single perpetrator.
South African Police Service spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the similarities among the cases are “sufficiently concerning” to warrant a public warning and a heightened investigative effort. Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia called the discoveries “deeply disturbing” and announced a multidisciplinary investigation to examine possible connections and identify those responsible.
President Cyril Ramaphosa instructed authorities to prioritize the murder investigations, stating that “no stone will be left unturned in bringing those responsible to justice” and emphasizing the need for public cooperation.
The latest finding follows a series of recent discoveries, including a half-naked body found on Saturday in Kempton Park after a 38-year-old woman went missing while jogging, and another body located on Monday in Olifantsontein.
The incidents have revived concerns about gender-based violence in South Africa, where murder rates remain high and femicide is among the world’s highest. Amnesty International South Africa described the discoveries as a reminder that women “are not safe,” and the Commission for Gender Equality called for an urgent safety audit of the affected areas.